High Fidelity Simulation

We take the learner from imitation to naturalization by instructing the provider to repeat the skill until they can perform flawlessly.

When the provider has mastered the skill, he or she can then adapt their technique to achieve the desired result. In a very short period of time, a provider can reach such a high level of mastery and performance that decisions can be made like second nature. These practices remind paramedics of the principles of time management and team dynamics, factors that change in every situation. After running a scenario, we use specialized debriefing software to replay video feed and case information to aid in the discussion of performance and possible improvements in the care of the patient.

Center for MEDICS uses simulation manikins and debriefing software from Laerdal. Over the past six years, we have seen increased benefit from the use and mastery of simulation manikins and debrief software. We currently have nine patient simulators on site, including one newborn, two pediatric, and six adult manikins (one of which is a birthing manikin).

The Sim Man Essential adult manikins are sensitive enough to allow our simulation specialists to measure the quality of the provider’s compressions during CPR. Other benefits of the Sim Man Essential include secretion production, bleeding and wound appearance, convulsions, drug administration and event recognition, vascular access, pupillary response to light, and the ability to needle decompress the chest. The Sim Man Essential has pre-recorded sounds, including bowel sounds and a patient’s voice, providing our students a simulated experience that truly mirrors reality, including a patient’s physiological response. We are able to move Sim Man Essential tosimulate a variety of real-world applications, such as treating a patient with chest pain at his kitchen table or a patient in cardiac arrest sitting in her car.

Simulating pediatric emergency situations can be challenging. In some cases, we start the scenario with the birthing simulator. The crew responds to a 28-year-old female, about to give birth. Upon arrival, the team finds the female in distress and the baby’s arrival imminent. The crew is expected to help finish the delivery of the baby, and intervene as needed for their second patient, the mother. With a scenario this difficult, how does the crew respond? Do they look for additional resources? Which patient do they treat first, the unresponsive mom with a low blood pressure or the baby, who’s not breathing? Center for MEDICS can simulate this environment so the providers will know what to do based on the findings. Not only do providers develop competency in this situation, they also become confident in their ability to interact and use critical thinking skills to make a difference in the lives of these patients.

In our simulation, one crew member treats the mom while the other member turns to our Sim NewB. Developed in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics, this neonatal simulator integrates technology with physiological response. The Sim NewB accurately represents a full-term neonate measuring 21 inches and weighing 7 pounds. Many patient conditions can be simulated, including a limp presentation, strong muscle tone, seizure activity and cyanosis.

Center for MEDICS also employs SimBaby, an infant trainer that allows providers to practice the high acuity, low occurrence patient care techniques that would be necessary to treat an 8-month-old with no risk. Using pre-planned pediatric scenarios created by experts in the field or creating a case of our own allows the provider to see real time changes in vital signs and presentation as a result of the course of treatment decisions.

Rounding out our pediatric simulation family, SimJunior allows providers to make tough decisions regarding the appropriate care of an average size 8-year-old while allowing for a variety of skills to be performed. Pre-hospital providers do not see sick children as often as they see sick adults. Continual re-education and practice with simulation is the only way to maintain competency and stay sharp on the quick critical decisions that need to be made for the sick pediatric patients.

We also have seven IV trainers arms and an IV simulator that allows the student to practice the technique for muscle memory, then perform the skill in a difficult location under stressful conditions. Our eight stand-alone Airway Management trainers simulate the airway anatomy so paramedics can practice different techniques with varied equipment to achieve the results of difficult airway management. Realistic practice is vital when trying to achieve a baseline competency in airway management. Our trauma leg allows the provider to understand how and when to apply a tourniquet to a traumatic injury. As the provider tightens and secures the tourniquet in place, the wounded leg reacts to the pressure, controlling the bleeding and responding in other appropriate manners, so that the learner actually sees the results of his or her work and can judge how to perform the skills most effectively.

Our facility includes three dedicated debriefing rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities, allowing us plenty of space and opportunity to review and discuss every simulation exercise.

Cambridge, May 15, 2015 — Cambridge Fire Department, along with PRO EMS of Cambridge, have jointly received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline®EMS Silver Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.

When officers arrive to a medical emergency involving an overdose, it usually means the person is unconscious, according to Acton Police Department Sgt. Edward Lawton, a 22-year veteran of the department and a member of the its drug unit, formed in October 2012.